A inside look at the natural resources used by native

peoples in the Matanuska Valley of Alaska

Natural History of Matanuska Valley

TaigaThe Matanuska Valley is a Taiga biome. It is

a spongy land with many wetlands and boggy forests. There are areas of permafrost, but the permafrost is does not permeate the entire landscape. Annual precipitation for the Matanuska Valley is an average of around 16 inches. It has thick mossy layers that cover a dense often shallow root system.

A Rich Variety of FloraThe Matanuska Valley has a relatively regular climate compared to the soggy south of the Alaska and the frigid Northern areas. The growing season in the summer is quite long and water is abundant. With all the sun and water plants thrive in this area that has been become Alaska's farming community.

Trees include: Birch, Aspen, Spruce both White and Black, and Cottonwood

Common Flowers: Fireweed Wild roses, Labrador tea, and Dandelions are all common Flowers that are very useful.

Other categories: Bush plants include High bush cranberry, and Devil’s Club. Mosses and Fungi are also prevalent and have many uses.

Many Uses of Indigenous TreesIf looking for a water source or an area without permafrost

keep an eye open for large healthy trees such as Aspen, Birch, or White Spruce. The running water generates heat and staves off permafrost.

Birch trees are good for a variety of purposes. The bark is a nearly failsafe fire starter. It is also very pliable and strong and can be used to make baskets or other useful containers or tools. The birch trees can be tapped in the spring like maple trees, and though not as concentrated the sap has a nice mild flavor and natives used it as a gargle to relieve mouth sores.

Spruce trees can be used to make an herbal tea high in vitamin C. Harvest the bright green tips of new growth and steep in hot water for a healthy and refreshing cup of tea.

Cottonwood trees have been used by the Athabascans for sun goggles and fishing floats.

Lichen and MossesLichen Commonly found:Research has found that

over half of the analyzed lichens contain antibacterial agents. One example is Caribou Moss which is a type of lichen that the Aleut used to treat chest pain and for better lung capacity. Other Native Alaskan tribes have used this lichen as a cure for diarrhea or digestion related ailments.

Pixy cup lichen Northern

Reindeer lichen

Freckle Pelt LichenStiff Club

Moss

functional flowersFireweed This flower is the classic symbol of summertime in

Alaska with its buds that begin early in the season and gradually work their way up opening to the full at the end of the season. The natives often made a salad with the young leaves and stems.

Jewelweed Growing at the edges of bogs this plant can be very useful for treating rashes like those caused by poison ivy. Its seeds are also excellent in recipes as a replacement for poppy seeds.

Twisted Stalk leaves can be added to a fresh green salad and is comparable to asparagus in flavor.

Chiming bells are also an edible flower or trailside snack

Shepherds purse is a vitamin filled plant containing Vitamins K, C, as well as calcium and potassium.

Wormwood is another flowering plant that is very useful in treating sore muscles or skin ailments. Fisherman often use it to clean their hands. Remember a little bit of this plant goes a long way!

Bountiful Berries!Salmonberry This was an important staple in the

native diet. These plants have charming purple flowers and delicious looking red berries. The berries contain vitamins A , vitamin E, vitamin C, manganese and vitamin K. They also contain fiber which is excellent for digestion.

Blueberries are delicious and have long been a treat for Alaskans both human and animal! Full of fiber and vitamins these berries are also good for fish bait!

Currants are a delicious red berry that are the Dena’ina people used to treat cold and flu, or just for a yummy treat.

High bush cranberries are a tangy treat, but their bark is also useful in treating infected cuts or as a muscle relaxer.

Fungi

There are a great variety of delicious mushrooms that grow in the Matanuska Valley. However, gathering and preparing the fungi to eat must be done carefully with the right process. Listed are a few of the yummy varieties that can be found and the proper way to prepare them.

Puffballs are a yummy mushroom that can be cooked with any recipe and are wonderful in soups . Take caution that the plants you harvest have a smooth white texture inside without any discoloration.

Pholiota are edible and have an almond like flavor.

Orange Birch Bolete (Leccinum versipelle)

Inky Cap (Coprinus atramentarius)

Sourceshttp://www.raybulson.com/lichen-and-

moss.htmlEchohawk, Terry. "Caribou Moss-Traditional

Medicine". Things Native. 4/10/2010 <http://arcticrose.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/caribou-moss-traditional-medicine/>.

Johns, David. "Alaskan Mushrooms". Blogspot. 4/10/2010 <http://alaskanmushrooms.blogspot.com/>.

Schofield, Janice. Alaska's Wild Plants. Portland: Alaska Northwest Books, 2003.